How to Make a Breakfast Pizza with Whole Wheat Crust
Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s a universal favorite, enjoyed at almost any time of day. But have you ever thought of pizza for breakfast? Not cold leftovers, but a fresh, healthy, and hearty breakfast pizza made with a whole wheat crust. Sounds interesting, right? Let’s dive into how you can make your mornings more exciting with this delicious recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Whole Wheat Crust:
– 1 cup warm water (not too hot or it will kill the yeast)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon sugar (to activate the yeast)
– 2.5 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Topping:
– 4 eggs
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite cheese)
– 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage (optional for vegetarians, you can substitute with mushrooms or any veggies)
– 1 small bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– A handful of fresh spinach or arugula (for garnish)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preparing the whole wheat crust. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water and sugar together. Sprinkle the 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it “awakens” the yeast.
Once the yeast is ready, add the whole wheat flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the bowl. Mix until it starts to form a dough. You may need to get your hands in there to really bring it together. Once the dough has formed, knead it on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place the kneaded dough back in the bowl (you might want to lightly oil it first to prevent sticking), cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While your dough is rising, it’s a good time to preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature is key to getting a nice, crispy crust on your pizza.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
While the dough rests and your oven preheats, you can start getting your toppings ready. If you’re using bacon or sausage, cook it beforehand and set it aside. Dice your bell pepper and onion, and shred your cheese if it’s not pre-shredded. Remember, you can customize your toppings based on what you like or what you have in your fridge.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a circle or whatever shape you like. Try to keep it even but don’t worry about making it perfect—rustic is good!
Transfer your rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a pizza stone if you have one.
Step 5: Add the Toppings and Bake
Before adding your toppings, it might be a good idea to pre-bake the crust for about 5 minutes. This helps prevent the dough from getting soggy once the toppings are added.
Now, scatter the cheese over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Follow with the bell pepper, onion, cooked bacon or sausage, and a touch of salt and pepper. Make four small wells in the toppings and crack an egg into each one.
Put your pizza in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the eggs are cooked to your liking.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your breakfast pizza cool for a couple of minutes. Then, sprinkle your fresh spinach or arugula over the top for a nice pop of color and an extra dose of freshness. Now, slice it up and enjoy!
Conclusion
Making a breakfast pizza with whole wheat crust is not only fun but a healthier alternative to regular pizza. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize to fit your taste or dietary needs. Plus, it adds an exciting twist to your morning routine. So next time you’re pondering over breakfast ideas, why not give this one a go? Happy cooking!
